Stuffed peppers

Just wanted to quickly share my super easy, quick stuffed peppers recipe. Nothing more basic, just fill your peppers (or courgette) with a delicious bolognese sauce - or chili con carne - and top it up with cheese. It makes the perfect lunch, super low-carb and highly delicious. I have been craving more comfort food at the moment so this is perfect. I just can not do any more salad! I need warm, cheesy & lots of taste. I add Cholula as well to have that little extra spice and it really satisfy my cravings. 

XO,Marilou

Homemade tortilla chips & guac

It's snack time....again. Ugh, I just love my snacks but as I am trying to watch my carbs intake I had to find a alternative to eating tortilla chips guilt-free, you got to get creative... One of my favourite thing to snack on is guacamole. I like mine with green tabasco and shallots. I could eat it every single day but the tortilla chips aren't the best if you are trying to watch your carb intake (especially as these are just a snack, I would prefer to save my carbs for a nice lunch or dinner). I always buy these tortilla wraps from Sainsburys or Ocado and they are absolutely delicious. Each wrap contains 4,2 total carbs which is very good considering a regular tortilla chip bag can go up to 55 carbs.

They are also so easy to make: you just slice your tortilla in tortilla shape size, add a little bit of coconut oil on top and put them in the oven for 10 minutes. You want them crispy not burnt so watch your timer. Add a pinch of salt and you're good to go. Such a delicious alternative and will satisfy your craving. 

XO,Marilou

Dating horoscope : get over it

Happy friday! Woohoo...it's a gorgeous one in London, 14 degrees today. In February! Can you believe? I am heading to Central London tonight for a girl's night. Au menu will be plenty of holidays planning, boys talk - of course - and little fashion chit chat. Tonight's topic will be boys related :it's not that deep.... get over it. That's the horoscope for today and every single day of the year ladies. If he is not your husband, just keep it moving. I work in an office that is female only - so you can imagine how the boy talk is going - and I always hear the same stories about girls going back to their exes, entertaining players, etc etc. So how you cope with a man playing hot and cold? ghosting? disappearing? putting less effort? acting up? 

You just stop entertaining, you move on and get over it. That simple. 

1. Know.your.WORTH. When it's time to walk away, do it and make sure you look your BEST while doing so. 

2. Don't get emotionally involved unless it is serious. Us women have a tendency to get emotionally attached quickly. Men on the other side... don't and you shouldn't either before he is obsessed with you first. 

3. Never look back, we only move forward in 2019! Never be afraid to lose a man, they are replacable.

Reminder : Life is too short, men are replacable - if he ghosted : don't torture yourself trying to understand why.  You have your answer. He either got what he wanted and doesn't want it anymore or realised he can't get what he wants from you. Either way, he is just not into you. So, look your best and go get another one...or two that will appreciate and spoil you ;) 

XO,Marilou

In my cart: Galentines Day

Pink blazer / Pink trousers / Edgy heels 

 Blue blazer / Blue skirt / Lilac Blazer / Slim mom jeans / Blinged heels 

It's coming ya'll! Galentines day is just around the corner - Feb 15th and I am very excited mainly because it's the perfect excuse to go out with my friend, dress up and have a few drinks at a nice bar.My mood for this year Galentines Day is blazer it up but make it girly. I love how a blazer can be worn up or down - groundbreaking fashion statement haha but I just do!  It is such an understated way to make a huge statement. I love being able to look effortlessly put together, and a blazer will help you achieve just that. Make sure it fits proprely though... 

The thing is to either make it more girly by picking an ultra feminine colour, mixing it up with a pair of matching skirt (the Topshop blue matching one is adorable!). Also, accesorise it! Cute hair accessory, perfect manicure, lace bra underneath to make it a bit more daring. The options are endless.  I think I will go with the Lilac one from H&M with either a mini skirt or a pair of slim mom jeans. It's still winter but I am over dark colours especially if I go out, so I will make sure to look as spring-ish as possible. Not totally decided yet on what to wear but will try to take a decent OOTN and post it on here later this week.

XO,Marilou

Midday snack / Kalo rice cakes

This is my new obsession : the Kalo Bluerry & Vanilla rice cakes topped with almond butter (I love the Pip & Nut one) + fresh dates as an extra. This is such a highly addictive combo and perfect midday pick-me up snack. I usually have peanut butter on toast with either jam or fresh berries but lately I have been trying to diverse my snacks so this is my new favourite combo. 

Also, the fact that the rice cakes are Blueberry & Vanilla flavoured makes a big difference as you can snack them on their own - I just can not do the regular rice cakes anymore. 

XO,Marilou 

Better latte than never

How is it February already? Blink of an eye and January - which felt like a year on its own - has gone by. I just received my Magic of I  Astro Planner last week and am obsessed with it. I will show it in my next post as if you are interested in Astrology or know someone who is, this planner is pure perfection. I just recently moved to my new house in South West London. I absolutely do not like moving houses or any sort of change in general but this is something I had to learn how to deal with since leaving Brussels a year and a half ago and move to London on an impulse. When I moved here, I was literally petrified. But then, you just have to learn to adjust and go with the flow. You have to make it work at the end of the day and trust me you will find ways to do so when you don't have to option. Stepping out of your comfort can be scary but I truly believe it is good to shake things up at times.

I literally moved 4 times last year, 5th move in early 2019 and it does get easier. I like my little cosy cocoon but it's a good exercice to learn that you can re-create wherever you want. It's all part of the letting go process I am forcing myself to religiously follow now. What no longer serves me, doesn't make me happy or is holding me back : I let go! This is also what they teach you in my Astro Planner with New Moons and Full Moons Rituals - how New Moon in Aquarius of me to write this, hehe! - although I don't really do those, I do think it's essential to learn how to let go.  Looking back, I do not regret one second moving here. I learned so much about myself and what I wanted in life. They say : if it scares you, you should probably do it. LOL I am like...the Buddha of SW London! So wise, haha!!

XO,Marilou

In my cart: winter night out

Leopard blouse / Grey high neck jumper / Jewellery / Grey coat 

High neck tee / Skirt / Leather pants / Heels / Boots 

"Winter night out" sounds like my worst nightmare but living in London you either deal with it and serve some cold weather looks or hermit your life away until late April. That is what happened to me last year, I literally disappeared and forgot about any social life until May. Yes, I am affected by the weather and so is my fashion. The key is to invest in some good winter staples that can be both worn day and NIGHT time. Thigh highs - with walkable heels - Oversized long coat - to throw over your shoulders for a date night - warm and cute tops -high necks are my favourites and last a good pair of faux leather pants. 

The Topshop heels included in my picks is Uber material only of course. But how gorgeous are they? I have ordered the polka dot skirt + high neck t-shirt from ZARA. The colour  of the skirt really makes this outfit interesting and a good change from the good ol' winter head to toe for a night out. I feel like personally if I have a really cute outfit, it does motivate me to go out more. If I doubt my outfit I WILL cancel our plans - my friends can attest this. 

XO,Marilou 

Best supermarket snacks

I am SUCH a supermarket rat. I just love going food shopping, look at the different options and new brands available in different shops. And I am always on the hunt for that new snack.  I usually shop at Waitrose for my regular groceries, I love Sainsbury's and Asda for the snacks and Free Form alley (the Asda in Clapham Junction is the best!)

Ok so best healthy-ish snacks at the moment : 

 Fibre One Lemon Drizzle or Cinammon Coffee Cakes : ugh these are so good. Not sure they are healthiest in terms of ingredients, but they're such good little sweet tooth craving treat for only 90 cal.Although can replace the taste of homemade brownies, these a good to pack for work if you don't have time to bake anything. Hippeas Take It  Cheesy : ok so now these are my top crisps EVER. I literally can go through a pack of these on my own in like 10 minutes. You can't understand unless you have tried them. Proper Corn Peanut Butter & Almond: Addictive. Not too sweet. Perfect balance of peanut butter & almond taste. Just divine. 4. ButterKist (or Kelkin) Sweet & Swalty Microwave Popcorn : I just love those because the little portions are perfect for cravings and also the fact that you get to eat warm pop corn - nothing can compare! 

XO,Marilou

Current skin care routine

How did I manage to blog for 5 years about beauty products? I literally do not know…I literally have 5 to 6 skin care products nowadays and my routine is very basic.Also, no product can completely transform your skin. At the end of the day, I believe that plenty plenty of water and -mainly- healthy homecooked food is key to good skin. I have been using a few The Ordinary products lately and so far, so good. I really enjoy the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, as it has really made my skin tone more even. The Hyaluronic Acid serum is a bit too sticky in consistency for my taste and I don't really see a result. Also, it has been breaking my skin out when I first started using it but now I can get away with finishing it. (Will not repurchase). The Granactive Retinoid 2% emulsion is an opaque liquid, that is supposed to be anti-aging. I think I just like the comforting idea that I am using something before my moisturizer on a day to day basis. My skin does look a bit better so it must be from that and the steamed brocoli I have been stuffing myself to lately hehe.

Moisturizing wise : I like my skin hydrated and glowy, healthy looking - lol who doesn't? - and have been using my cherished Weleda Skin Food for YEARS now and I swear by it. Because my skin is ultra dry, I can get away with wearing it all year around. I barely wear makeup anymore, and whenever I do - basically foundation & bronzer - I always end up applying a little bit of Skin Food on my non-existant cheek bones to add a natural highlighter to my skin. Also, I wear it on my shoulders and décolleté whenever I am going out as it gives the BEST healthy glow. It's just a must have product that I recommend to all of my friends and family - they all use it now too haha!

XO,Marilou

What i wore : Aquarius season

Pile jacket / Ripped Jeans (similar) / Sunnies / Sneakers (similar, I am wearing Stan Smith) 

Happy Aquarius season ladies! Time to get unconventional, think outside the box, leave your crush on read, wear lots of glitter for no reason, detached from your emotions but allow yourself to feel them, start a new idealistic life mission of yours etc. Finally some air and lightness after this heavy Capricorn season. Phew.. 

Quirky Aquarius season, quirky picture with some sunlight beaming with my most basic - yet put together and comfy outfit. I am a Virgo after all ! I am OBSESSED with my pile jacket from H&aM. I wear it so much and for the price, the quality is impressive. (it was very cheap, haha).Also, these Zara jeans are from last year but I have linked a very similar pair from Topshop!You gotta love how a ripped jeans and a pair of sunnies takes your outfit from basic to basic AF.

 We have had the most sunny weather lately in London. No heavy rain in sight so far in 2019...It was a good reason to walk around West London and discover a bit more of this City.That's definitely on my to-do list for this year as although I am still a freshie in the UK, I end up hanging out mainly in my SW hood and always going to the same places. My family will be visiting later this year for a long weekend so I need to prep a list of things to do to make sure they have the best time over here. 

XO,Marilou 

Fibre me up!

Afternoon cravings are the...absolute….worst, especially when you work in an office. I am trying to not restrain myself too much otherwise I end up obsessing over the chocolate covered pretzels I didn't eat and end up eating 20 then feeling like sh*t for the rest of the afternoon. Oh well..Snaccidents happen. I am by no mean a nutritionist but I have recently learned that by increasing your fibre intake, it will not only make you feel full longer but also help you lowering your net carbs intake. I am not on Keto diet (or any specific diet for that matter), as I am trying to eat intuitively - how obnoxious does that sound? haha, rolling my eyes as I am typing this -  but in general I just feel better when I am lowering my carbs intake. My stomach is flatter, I have more energy and just feel better overall. Because of my very big sweet tooth, this is very hard to monitor as carbs are pretty much everywhere! 

The first thing I like to do to curb my sugary snack craving is to make myself an iced coffee.  I always use nut milk, either almond or cashew (unsweetened!) and make it extra icy.  Guilty of using plastic straw only as I just can't deal with those paper ones that become soft in my drink. Ew. I should probably get a metal one ?! Recently, I also have been adding inuline - I am using one by SimplyGo -  to my latte (which is basically soluble fibre). Be careful with inuline as it is quite strong and not everyone will digest it the same. I personally only add ONE spoon max. now - I did 3 on my first days and majorly regretted it after, haha.

Now the actual eating part : I am always on the lookout for high fibre - low carbs snacks. One of my favourites lately have been either the Fibre One 90cal (the cinnamon one is to die for) or the Ape Coconut bites (highly, HIGHLY addictive, especially the original one). These snacks are perfect because 1. they are both under 120 cals and 2. are very low in net carbs (net carbs = carbs - fibre). Fibre One has 7g of sugar and Ape Coconut Bites only has 3,6g of sugar! I can see my health improving just by reading these numbers to be honest. Haha. I also like that you can portion control these as I have absolutely no will power whatsoever when it comes to "just put the bag down for next time". 

What are you favourites low carbs snacks ?? 

XO,Marilou 

In my cart: warm & cosy

Hat / Pile jacket / Grey Tee / Snakeskin boots / Croc tote

Astro planner / Ripped Jeans / Striped jumper / Sneakers / Perfume

In true Virgo style : wishlists, after to do-lists, after other shopping lists and resolutions lists...and the list literally goes on and on..and on. I can't help it, I love to plan and prep. Although I barely even wear makeup anymore, my love for fashion never really faded. I personally always look to get inspo from others via either blogs or Instagram (or street watching for hours while sitting in a patio during summer time).

It's January so obvi, my priority is trying my best to look stylish while staying warm. I can't believe I once wore ballet shoes relentlessly for an entire winter at age 12 because I was convinced my legs looked fat if I wore boots. Lol. Not going to lie,  as much as I love to look cute and put together...I do end up going in full on gym wear to work some days as I just can't be bothered. The key to still looking cute if the latter happens...is the good hair/skin combo! If your hair and skin and look good you can basically pull off any look. Also, I personally try to avoid heels during day time at all costs just because 1. Where are you going hun? Like...it's day time. and 2. Flat life is the best life. Comfort first. 

The only time I can do a day time heel is with a pair of boots with chunky heels only. I love these from H&M, the snakeskin print is on point. Perfect shade of brown and I really like that the heel is a bit different than normal. It adds that little….oomph.

That croc tote has been on my wish list for ages now, I wanted to get it when I was working in Harrods last year as I had the 40% staff discount (say whaaat?) but it was never in stock. I will be mine this year as I just need a tote bag to complete my little collection.

I just got that pile jacket (also from H&M) and I am OBSESSED. Although highly synthetic, it is warm and doesn't look too H&M-ish. In the perfume department, I am still very much in love with my Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche, but can't get my mind off the Balenciaga B. since my visit to Sephora last summer. It's not available everywhere in the UK but Debenhams and Harrods do carry it.

The most exciting item on this list HAS to be my Astro Planner, which I have pre-order.

The title of my blog might have given you a clue, I have been really into Astrology lately and the study of planet transits in general. I can not wait to get my sh*t together while analysing all the eclipses and different planet returns. Maybe I do find it quite reassuring when all goes South, to blame in on the Mercury Retrogade. Astro joke 101 - haha. 

XO, Marilou